HoopsVibe

Last night, Bryant perpetrated his typical end-of-game heroics against the Toronto Raptors, sinking a last second fade-away against two outstretched defenders to seal the victory for the Los Angeles Lakers. Best of all, Bryant, after the final horn sounded, showed no emotion, casually high-fiving teammates as Staples Centre roared in appreciation.

(Wow. What a shot.)

Business as usual was the message Black Mamba was attempting to convey.

Nothing could be further from the truth, though. Six weeks ago, Bryant missed an end of game buzzer-beater in a loss to the Raptors and the Lakers previously dropped three in a row before yesterday’s win. Bottom line: his jumper was huge. 

(Toronto celebrated Bryant's miss against the Raptors on January 24th, 2010.)

Of course, there’s a twist, L.A. style. There were two minutes remaining and Toronto was down four, when Lapo Elkann, sitting courtside, tipped a loose ball away from Raptor guard Jose Calderon. The Lakers, perhaps, got an extra possession. And Elkann received a huge ovation from the home crowd, including Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, who was sitting next to the European Fiat heir. 

(Calderon was visibly frustrated by Elkann.)

So Bryant got his revenge. The Lakers snapped their losing streak. However, it can be argued they needed a little help from a fan. 

Did Bryant and the Lakers need a fan to beat Toronto? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.